Aaron O'Neill
Research lead for society, economy, and politics: Europe & global
Get in touch with us nowDeath toll per month in the Moscow plague epidemic of 1771
The plague epidemic of 1771 in Russia saw the deaths of approximately 60,000 in the capital city, and as many as 300,000 to the south and west of the city. The epidemic started in the region of Moldova during the Russian-Turkish War of 1768 to 1774, before making its way to the capital in January, 1771. By summer, the death toll rose above one thousand deaths per month, and at its peak in September there were over 20,000 deaths in that month alone. The death toll fell below one thousand again by December, but it would be another full year before Moscow was declared officially free of plague.
Regular mass protests began at the end of August, and when authorities tried to enforce stricter quarantine laws to prevent these protests, a three-day riot broke out on September 15. This riot saw a mob destroy several quarantine zones, take over the Red Square, storm the Kremlin, and on the 16th they executed the Archbishop who had tried to impose the quarantine measures. When the mob tried to re-enter the Kremlin on the second day, they were met by military personnel who then opened fire and dispersed the crowd. Another attempt was made on the following day, but with similar results. Eventually four people were executed for their role in the riots and almost two hundred were prosecuted. Provisions were made by the government to bring food and work back to the city, but the plague continued tot take heavy tolls until December.
Moscow plague riot 1771
The plague had reached epidemic level by the spring of 1771, and the government introduced strict measures to try and contain the outbreak. These measures included forced quarantine, destruction of infected properties(without compensation) and the closure of businesses and public services; this was followed by a collapse in the local economy and eventually food shortages. By August, the public became frustrated and disillusioned (as many of the wealthier inhabitants had evacuated the city) and anger swept across the city.Regular mass protests began at the end of August, and when authorities tried to enforce stricter quarantine laws to prevent these protests, a three-day riot broke out on September 15. This riot saw a mob destroy several quarantine zones, take over the Red Square, storm the Kremlin, and on the 16th they executed the Archbishop who had tried to impose the quarantine measures. When the mob tried to re-enter the Kremlin on the second day, they were met by military personnel who then opened fire and dispersed the crowd. Another attempt was made on the following day, but with similar results. Eventually four people were executed for their role in the riots and almost two hundred were prosecuted. Provisions were made by the government to bring food and work back to the city, but the plague continued tot take heavy tolls until December.
